Crochet Autumn Wreath

While searching around on pinterest, I found this lovely wreath by Sarah at Repeat Crafter Me.



I fell in love with it and knew immediately that I had to make it! So, I went right out and grabbed the materials and started to make my version of this Autumn Wreath!

I started with the typical materials, worsted weight yarn (I had to buy the pumpkin orange, all of the other colors I had in my stash), a foam wreath, my hook and my tapestry needle.



Sarah used a Size H Crochet Hook, I decided to use a Size I hook. Thinking that i'd have to crochet less than her beginning chain, I did a couple of rows to test my width, and found that a starter chain of 26 was perfect.

I chained 26, and started my row of sc in the 2nd chain from the hook. So there were 25 sts total across.

My note to self, while a couple of rows made it perfectly fit. In the end it was almost too tight to sew together. I had to really stretch it out. So next time I will crochet a couple of rows and make sure that they overlap around the foam wreath. {You'll see pictures in a little bit}

Also, next time, instead of spending $8 on a foam wreath.. i'm going to try out another deal I saw on pinterest.



I started to crochet my colors; I designated each color a certain number of even rows. 4, 6, 8 and 10 rows. It worked out that I did this pattern 5 times around.


I left long tails on my ends when I changed colors. When it came time to sew the edges together, I just used the tail. Even though you don't see the back, it gave it more of a seamless feel to it!

Once I was finished, and was satisfied that it fit around my wreath, I sewed end to end and placed it around my foam wreath.



Yes, I did run out of the one brown color and I had to use a second brown. I ended up hiding the odd brown under the bow in the end.

And this is where you can notice how much room is left on the other side.



It did stretch to fit when I sewed the ends together... but it was much more difficult than it needed to be. I'm also now wondering if it would have fit better if I continued on with the colors around and not made it such a tight fit that way.



The bow is the only part I am not happy with on this wreath. Sarah said her bow was 6 sc across and about 3 feet long. Once mine hit 3 feet, I could not form it into a bow I liked, so I went longer.

I ended up crocheting another loop, 10 sc wide and long enough to fit around the foam wreath. I sewed the ends together around the wreath, and put the bow in underneath. I will have to find different way to do a bow the next time I crochet a wreath.



Last but not least, I had to make the pumpkins and leaves!

The pumpkin pattern came from Sarah again. Here is her pattern, she has pretty pictures on her site.

Working in back loops only...
Chain 11,
Row 1: SC in second chain from hook, SC in next, HDC in next 6, SC in last two, chain 1, turn
Row 2: SC across (10 SC)
Row 3-17: Repeat rows 1-2. Leave long tail.

Stitch together row 17 to beginning row.

Just like you would begin to make a single crochet decrease, stitch together one end of the pumpkin. Keep looping the tapestry need under two stitches at a time until it closes. Stuff with poly-fil {I filled it with yarn} and do the same to the other side. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Pumpkin Stem:
Magic ring, 4 SC in magic ring,
2 SC in first stitch, SC in next, repeat around (6 sc)
Continue to SC around until stem is to the desired length and sew together.



The leaf pattern came from Wind Rose Fiber Studio. Here is their pattern:

chain 10 leaving 8” beg tail
Side 1: working in back loops of beginning chain, 3 dc in fourth st from hook, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in last st, ch 1, sl st in ch just made (leaf point made)
Side 2: working down the other side of the beginning chain in the front loops, sl st in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, work 3 dc in next st, join with sl st to top of beg ch 3

Stem: chain 4, sl st in second st from hook and in next two sts. sl st to next dc, finish off weaving in all loose ends

I made them without the stem.





A little hot glue, because I like to cheat like that, and you have the finished product!! How cute is this?! Not my door though, I just used an inside door instead of finding our wreath hanger {which I think is tucked away with our Christmas stuff} so I could show you on our front door.



My mind is thinking of different ways I can make wreaths for Christmas now!
Plus, i'm thinking about using the Random Stripe Generator to help work my way around!

I hooked up with hooking up on hump day!

Diamonds Are Forever Christmas Ornament Cover

I've actually completed this Christmas Ornament awhile ago, I just never got around to posting it. While I love the way it looks, i'm not a big fan of working it up. This Christmas ornament starts in the middle instead of the bottom, like my others.

You will need size 10 cotton thread, and a size 6 steel hook.

To start: Ch 50, join to form a circle
Row 1: Ch 1, *skip 2 ch, 8 tc in next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in next ch, repeat from * around ending with sc; join with sl st to first ch-1. (8 groups of 8 tc)

Row 2: Sl st to middle of 8 tc group to space between 4th and 5th tc, ch 8, *sc in middle of next 8 tc group, ch 8, repeat from * around ending with ch-8; join with sl st to base of first ch-8.

Row 3: Sl st to middle of ch-8, *ch 10, sc in middle of next ch-8, ch 10, repeat from * around ending with ch-10; join with sl st to base of first ch-10.

Row 4: Sl st to middle of ch-10, sc in middle of each ch-10 catching each loop together; join at first sc. Tie off.

Row 5: BEGIN TOP HALF. Pick up thread between 2 groups of tc, sc in same sp, *8 tc above the 8-tc of the bottom half, sc above sc sp, repeat from * around ending with sc; join with sl st at first sc.

Row 6: Sl st to middle of 8-tc group, ch 6 * sc in top of next 8-tc group, ch 6, repeat from * around ending with ch-6; join with sl st to base of first ch-6.

Row 7: Sl st to middle of ch-6, *ch 6, sc in middle of next ch-6, ch 6, repeat from * around ending with ch-6; join with a sl st at base of first ch-6.

Row 8: Sl st to middle of ch-6, tie off leaving a tail long enough to gather loops, pulling them up and around the neck of the ornament.

WIPW: Work-In-Progress Wednesday

Well, it's better late than never, but here is today's WIPW!


I have part of my blanket pieced together!

I'm taking a break from this though, because I am going to be working on a basket for a benefit. My cousin's son was just diagnosed with SMA and they will be having a benefit at the end of the month. I promised them a basket of crochet goodies to raffle off!



So the first thing I want to put in the basket is a large doily, possible tablecloth, depending on how big it'll actually be once it is done. This is my first doily, and i'm cheating by using two strands of cotton thread instead of one. I tried using one, but I just wasn't liking it.



And the other thing I am working on is a double sided diagonal pot holder!

In which you can also see what book I am reading right now! I usually read off my nook tablet, but I really wanted to read this book, but it's still on hold through the library e-books site. Since we have it in hard copy, I decided to actually read a real book. Let me tell you, from e-books to this, it is much different!!


I am linking up with Tami's WIP, Ambassador Crochet, Yarn Along and SusanD's.

WIPW: Work-In-Progress Wednesday

So, what am I working on this week?? Both of my quilted crochet afghans!



This one is my "practice" afghan, which I am in love with! The greens are so pretty together! I still don't know who I want to give this to yet.



The second is the extra squares for my other quilted crochet afghan, which I do need some design help, if you have the time! I'm not sure how I want to piece it together.



I really like these squares and think i'll make a baby blanket out of them someday. One with a fleece lining.

I am still reading The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. For some reason I just can't get into reading anymore. I'd like to read 50 books this year, but this summer I have been slacking. It's a quick, light read so far... I just haven't sat down to read, and when I do it's a chapter at a time.





I am linking up with Tami's WIP, Ambassador Crochet, Yarn Along and SusanD's.

Design Help

I need design help!! I'm trying to plan out my Quilted Crochet Afghan with my daughters clothes. I wish all of the pieces of fabric were the same size, but they're not.



I have 10 - 5"x5" square pieces of fabric, and one 7"x9" piece. So, of course my main issue is placing that 7"x9" piece.

At first my main idea was just to stagger the fabric, and just have the bigger piece have less yarn around.

I even started making 10" squares to fill in the remainder.



However, I learned that my husband doesn't like the checkerboard look. So, I started thinking of a couple other designs... and nothing has stood out.

I drew up the one I like the best, but I still don't know if I love it. What do you think? Can you think of any other ways to design the fabric pieces? The 10" squares do not need to be used! I can easily make them into a smaller baby blanket with a fleece backing {which i've been wanting to try for awhile now!}.



The blank 8" squares are regular crochet squares, i'm not sure on the design yet. The other 8" ones, are the ones with the 5x5 fabric. Then the star squares are the 10" squares... with the 7x9 Aurora Fabric in the middle.

I possibly will even cut out the regular 8" squares at the end, making it 56" long... just a little lapghan.

I was just hoping a design would jump out at me! So far, it hasn't. Maybe with your help, something will jump!

Year of Scraps

Are you excited to see my August yarn!? I'm still trying to debate on where to put this yarn when this jar gets too small. I'll be shocked if it lasts me 6 months. I can't help it if I like long tails so I know that things are tucked in properly!



The big puff of pink is from when I made the newborn bunny tail! That pom pom needed a lot of trimming, and I trimmed it all into the jar.

Quick "V" Throw

This quick v-stitch throw is so stinking simple and easy!! My husband and I were discussing how we love these blankets because you can stick your fingers and toes up through the holes!



I made this for a nephew, and i'm going to add to it a pair of slipper socks. I think the combination will be a lovely Christmas gift for him!



Someone asked me if this really did take only 5 and a half hours to make, since that is the original name of this afghan. And while I didn't time it, I think it took a little longer than 5 and a half hours... but not much longer. If I had to guess, i'd say, 7 crochet hours... tops!



I used a Size Q crochet hook, and two strands of worsted weight acrylic yarn together.

Ch 61.
Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook, ch 1, dc in same ch (V-st made), *sk 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch (V-st made); repeat from * to last 2 ch, sk 1 ch, dc in last ch - 19 ch-1 sp and 1 dc on each end.
Rows 2-40: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, (dc, ch 1, dc) in each ch-1 space across, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch.
Fasten off.

Edging: From right side, join yarn with sc in any corner of Throw. Work sc evenly spaced along one long edge of Throw. Repeat on opposite long edge.



Since I made this for my nephew, I didn't add fringe. But you can easily add some to this afghan! Wrap yarn around cardboard and cut 162 strands of yarn approximately 22 in. (56 cm) long. For each fringe, hold 3 strands of yarn together and fold in half. Use crochet hook to draw fold through edge of Throw, forming a loop. Pull ends of Fringe through this loop. Pull to tighten. Make Fringe in every chain space along top and lower edges of Throw. Trim Fringe ends evenly. Weave in ends.

WIPW: Work-In-Progress Wednesday

We're having a stay-cation this week, so for some reason I thought yesterday was Sunday! I almost forgot it was Wednesday!

I finished my quick, 5 and a half hour throw afghan. I just need to take pictures of it and post it. Maybe later today.

So for right now, i'm just working on a market bag.



I love the box pattern, but I don't like how I made the bottom. Maybe i'll try something different next time.

I am currently reading The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, it's part of a series and I was able to get this first one free from my library. I love how libraries have e-books! Anyways, i'm not even through the first chapter yet as I just started it today. We'll see if this is any good!





I am linking up with Tami's WIP, Ambassador Crochet, Yarn Along, Hooking on Hump Day and SusanD's.

WIPW: Work-In-Progress Wednesday

Well, it's that time again! What have I been working on this week?


The first thing is this easy, quick, 5 and a half hour throw! My husband cannot get over how quick it has come up. I just started working on this the other day and really haven't been doing much crocheting, because of this next project.


I broke out the sewing machine! And we all know how I love to sew... yeah, right. Since it is out, I decided to get everything I wanted sewed done and over with. A curtain, shirts, pants.... and then finally my projects.

I sewed the other green squares for my Quilted Crochet Afghan, and now I can start working on those some time. I also decided to start on the quilted crochet afghan squares out of the clothes that we had bought for our daughter that was stillborn. They may have never been worn, but they were meant for her and not just for "baby".

I decided to make two blankets, one for us, and a smaller one for any future babies that may come along. That hopefully come along.

So, that's it!

I am still reading Popped by Carol Higgins Clark. I have never taken this long to get through such a simple book. I think that because it is so silly and simple... that i'm just not that interested in it. I only have less than 100 pages to go, so I will finish it by next week.





I am linking up with Tami's WIP, Ambassador Crochet, Yarn Along, Hooking on Hump Day and SusanD's.

I will not have a link up with me. My subscription ends tomorrow and I am not extending it. I like the thumb boxes, hate just the plain links, but refuse to pay more for the boxes. Sorry for all of those who have been faithful to linking up with me!

WIPW: Work-In-Progress Wednesday

Oh look! Shocker! More knit stockings!

All I have left on the "Mommy" stocking is the weaving and decorations. I'm going to knit the "Daddy" one up to the same point, and do the weaving and decorations on both at the same time.

I'm thinking about selling these on Etsy. I already have a few orders here at home.. so i've been thinking about making a new design to sell. I'm not sure yet.

I am still reading Popped by Carol Higgins Clark. I just haven't picked up my book in quite awhile. I've been hooked on some silly sitcoms from Netflix and I've been watching those while I've been knitting and crocheting.






What are you working on this week? You can always link up with me!!
I am linking up with Tami's WIP, Ambassador Crochet, Yarn Along, Hooking on Hump Day and SusanD's.

Now it's your turn to link up with me!

Baby Props

I made more baby props for my friend over at Shanna Chess Photography!! I really hope they work well for her!

The first are a crowns!


There are 3 rounds of sc, to whatever length you want it to be. The peaks of the boys crown are 2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc in the same stitch. Where the girls crown has a pattern of the smaller peaks, and larger peaks that are 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.

I made them big enough to fit bigger babies, and can be pinned to fit the smaller babies.

The next thing I made was this super cute and simple monkey hat with ear flaps! Using the same pattern that I did with this baby hat with ear flaps, all I had to do was add little monkey ears!

All the monkey ears are, 12 sc in a magic ring, sc once in each stitch around round 2, and for round 3, sc in front loop only... but not in all of the stitches. Maybe 9 or 10, leaving the others open to sew onto the hat.

Bunny Newborn Baby Prop

I am crocheting some newborn props for my friend over at Shanna Chess Photography, and this, was my first challenge.





Isn't this so adorable!!?

The only real difficult thing to make were the ears... but they weren't that bad.

The hat uses worsted weight yarn and a size I crochet hook.

To Start: Ch 3, sl st in first ch to form ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, dc 11 in ring, sl st in third ch.
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc twice in each dc around, sl st in 3rd ch from beginning ch 3. {24}
Round 3: Ch 3, dc twice in next dc. (dc, 2dc) around, dc in last dc, sl st in 3rd ch from beginning ch 3. {36}
Round 4: Ch 3, (dc twice in next dc, dc in next 2 dc) around, sl st in 3rd ch from beginning ch 3. {48}
Round 5-9: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, sl st in 3rd ch from beginning ch 3.
Round 10: Ch 1, turn hat right side out, sc border round the whole hat, sl st in 3rd ch from beginning ch.


To Start Ears: (Make 2 in main color) Ch 20
Round 1: Work 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in each of the next sts, 8 dc in last stitch. At this point your work should be facing back up the chain. dc in each of the next sts, 4 dc in lat st.
Round 2: Continue in the same fashion as round 1, on the final peak where you'd normally work 8 dc, work 3dc, 2tr, 3dc. sc in next stitch, sl st in next and finish off.

To Start Inner Ears: (Make 2 in secondary color) Ch 18
Round 1: Work hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next sts, dc in next two sts, tr in next two sts, dc in next two, hdc to the end of the ch, 5 hdc in last sts. On your way back up the chain, wherever you hdc - hdc, where you dc - do a dc and so on and so forth so that it is symmetrical. At the peak, work 3 sc around, and then sc in every stitch as a border.

With wrong sides facing each other, sc the seconadry color into the main color of the ear. I started at the bottom of the seconadry color because there will be extra room at the bottom of the main color. Sc the two sides of the main color ear together once you had made the border all the way around your ear. This will be the part you sew onto the hat.

After you complete the ears, sew them onto the hat. Finish off with a cute flower!

To Start Flower: ch 7, join with sl st to form ring
Row 1: Ch 1, make 14 dc in ring, join with sl st to in first sc.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same sc, (ch 3, sk next sc, sc in next sc) 5 times, ch 3, sk next sc, join {7 ch-3 sp}
Row 3: Join new color with sl st in first ch-3 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc) in same as joining, (sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-3 sp around {7 petals}
Row 4: Ch 1, working behind petals, sc around post of first sc on round 2, ch 4, (sc around post of next sc on round 2, ch 4) around, join and fasten off. {7 ch-4 sp}
Row 5: Sl st in first ch-4 sp, ch 1 .(sc, hdc, dc, 2tr, dc, hdc, sc) in same sp as joining, (sc, hdc, dc, 2tc, dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-4 sp around, fasten off {7 petals}
Sew flower to hat.

The Newborn Diaper Cover Pattern uses worsted weight yarn and a size I crochet hook.

To Start: Ch 15
Row 1: dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across remaining 12 sts, turn. {13}
Rows 2-9: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in each ch across, turn. {13}
Rows 10-13: Ch 3, 2 dc in same ch as the ch 3, dc across, 3 dc in last ch, turn. {On Row 13 - 25sts}
Row 14-18: Ch 3, 1 dc in same ch as the ch 3, dc across, 2 dc in last ch, turn. {On Row 18 - 35 sts}
Row 19: Ch 7 {If you will be using a bigger button, ch more here and at the opposite end}, sl st in 5th ch from hook to form loop, dc in same ch, dc across, 2 dc in last, ch 5, sl st with first ch of ch-5 to form loop, turn.
Row 20: Ch 3, 1 dc in same ch, dc across, 7 dc in ch-5 loop.
Border: At this point, you will sc around the entire diaper cover, starting where the last DC touches the side of the diaper cover. After you have made it to the other ch-5 loop on the other side, 7 dc into the loop and fasten off.
Attach a button to the center of the front.

Make a puff ball with the secondary color, and attach it to the back of the diaper cover. Now you have a cute little button tail for your bunny!!

WIPW: Work-In-Progress Wednesday

Last WIPW I was working on my first ever knit Christmas stocking! I then finished that knit Christmas stocking, and started a new one for my sister-in-law {Christians Mommy}.

I think it's a little funny that i'm just about at the same place last week as I am this week with the new stocking.



I also started using a stopwatch every time I knit... and there have been a few hiccups, ones where I was knitting and forgot to start the timer, and then also when I forgot to stop it when I stopped knitting. But I feel I have evened it out enough for it to be somewhat accurate. So far this has taken 11 hours. My guess is that it'll be 24 total hours before it's finished.

As for books, I am still reading Popped by Carol Higgins Clark. I actually have only read about 5 pages since last week. I'm just not feeling it this week. I know it's going to put me behind in my goal of 50 books this year... as I was right on track. So I better get a move on!





What are you working on this week? You can always link up with me!!
I am linking up with Tami's WIP, Ambassador Crochet, Yarn Along, Hooking on Hump Day and SusanD's.

Now it's your turn to link up with me!